Enterprise software implementation is a big deal. Most enterprise software projects can take many person-years of effort and have a large price tag. Many companies find that they require expertise from third parties like software vendors, system integrators and subject matter experts (SMEs) to round out their team.

Yet many organizations have more clearly defined selection criteria for smartphones – a small purchase – than for enterprise software. If you need a system integrator or implementation consultant, how do you select the right one? Beyond finding a firm that appears to have the right resources to meet your needs, consider the following six essential selection criteria.

1. Business and industry expertise

Enterprise IT projects can impact the entire business. Your system integrator or implementation consultant (aka "the firm") should bring more to the table than IT skills and subject matter expertise.

Does the firm have the business savvy and communication skills to identify issues that others may miss?

Will they communicate critical issues to key stakeholders before the issues have a large impact on scope schedule, and budget?

Will they recommend solutions and help you to make sound decisions?

6. Independence and objectivity

Enterprise software initiatives can span months or years, so it is important to find a firm that has your best interests in mind. This is where independence and objectivity play an important role.

Does the firm have your best interests in mind, or are they more interested in billable hours and keeping consultants off the bench?

Is the firm independent? Are they allied with one or more software vendors?

Are they good listeners?

Do they have a "one size fits all" mindset, or can they be objective about your initiative?

Can you trust their advice?

Will they tell you when you are about to make a bad decision?

You can enhance your organization’s chances for success by developing – and applying – objective system integrator/consultant selection criteria. My previous blog post provided six tips for making the selection.

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Jill Barson Gilbert is a thought leader on environment, health & safety (EHS) and sustainability management information systems. Founder, President and CEO of Lexicon Systems, LLC, she is a trusted advisor to C-level IT, and business and marketing executives in a range of industries.